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-BY- 



Hiltan J. Pearson 




PRICE 25 GENTS 



Eldridge Entertainment House 

Franklin, Ohio 2^ Denver, Colo. 

944 So. Logan Street 



^ 



Money-Making Entertainment Novelties 
for Church, School or Lodge 



Miss Nibbs' Novelty Shop 

By Alta Becker. This is a novel and humorous en- 
tertainment, introducing 'Liza Ann, Miss Nibbs, two 
traveling" salesmen, sheppers, mechanical dolls and 
mechancal maid of all wcrk. A good little stunt where 
a short, clean, humcrcus number is desired. Plays 
about 30 minutes. Price, 25c. 

The Brightville Indoor Chautauqua 

By Bessie Baker and Nellie Hanr.a. Hire is a brand 
new idea for an evening's entertainment. It is in 5 
parts, each part representor g a day at Chau':auqua. 
Gives wide scope for introduction of lar-je cast and 
many specialties. Complete programs suggested as 
follows: Part 1, Chautauqua Concert Company; Part 
2, Living Pictures; Fart 3, Musical Entertainers; 
Part 4, Farmers' Night; Part 5, Coonvi'.Ie Jubilee 
Singers. Price, 35c. 

Sorepaw & Fells Indoor Circus 

By Margaret S. Bridge and Mar — ret H. Hahn. The 
Grand Annex and Musee, Freaks, Curiosities and 
Monstrosities, never were in it with the marvelous, 
amazing, mystifying array outlined in its pages. Ar- 
tistic, ambling, agile, 'ar.dsor.e acrobats; cajoling, 
cadaverous, costly, curious, cunning c.owns; Hee- 
Shee, the Monkey Girl of Yucatan; all of these and 
many others will be seen in the Big Peerade before 
the show starts, ladies and gentlemen. Keep to the 
right — don't crowd. Price, 25c. 

As Ye Sew 

A "talking doll" missionary play by Dorothy Crich- 
ton. A lot of fun and some wholesorr :e lessons are 
contained in the conversation of the dolls who dis- 
cuss the motives of their donors. Splendid for Young 
People's or Missionary Societies. 10 girls, 1 boy, or 
all giris. Time, 20 minutes. Price, 15c. 



Finding the Key 



A dialog and drill for 10 or 12 girls and boys. Suit- 
able for any religious program, but especially for 
Easter. Time, 20 minutes. Deals with problems of 
youth, recreations, etc.; also with those of Commun- 
ity Life and the present spirit of Unrest. Interspersed 
with suggested songs. Drill very effective. 25c. 



Eldridge Entertainment House 

FRANKLIN, OHIO also DENVER, COLO. 

944 S. Logan St. 



How The Christmas 
Song Was Found 



By LILIAN J. PEARSON / 



;l 



Copyright 1921, Eldridge Entertainment House, 



/ 



PUBLISHED BY 

ELDRIDGE ENTERTAINMENT HOUSE, 
Franklin, Ohio Denver, Colo. 



ftC 13/92/ 



CHARACTERS AND COSTUMES ^ C\ \ 
. » P 

Dryads— (two or more) Our good impulses. 

Dressed in long white robes. 
Gnome — Our conscience. 

Dressed as a little old man with long white beard. 
Notes of Joy, Tenderness, Sympathy, Pathos, Love, 

girls. 
Notes of Triumph, Praise, Thanksgiving, boys. 
Notes should wear any bright costume with a hood 
resembling the head of a note, drawn tight around the 
face, the stem of the note hanging from the throat down 
in front of body. In short, they are to represent the 
notes of the scale. 

Spirit of Christmas— Girl or Boy. Dressed in bright 

colors, red and green, and made to look plump 

and jolly. 

These are only the speaking parts, but there can be 

a chorus of Snow flakes, a chorus of Holly Wreaths, and 

one of Christmas Bells. 

Snowflakes should be dressed in white, and each 
should carry a horn filled with snowflakes, (soft little 
tufts of cotton; which they scatter while they sing. 

Holly Wreaths should be dressed in green, and each 
should carry a small wreath/ or bunch of holly and mis- 
tletoe. 

Bells do not need an unusual costume, but look very 
attractive in bell-shaped skirts of wire covered with red 
or green crepe paper. If these are unavailable, the 
Bells can wear their ordinary clothes and carry small 
bells, or wear wristlets and anklets of them. 
Time — Christmas Eve. 

Place— A woodland scene. At one side of the stage 
there should be one real tree— The Christmas Tree. The 
"good deeds" and "kindly smiles," etc., which the Dry- 
ads gather, take on the form of tinsel and ornaments, 
with which they later trim the tree. At the other side, 
or across the corner, should be a five-rail fence f not es- 
sential; and as each Note finishes speaking, she, or he, 
takes a place upon this "staff." 

©CI.D 59437 </ 



The following three songs may be used or not, as 
desired. If they are to be used they should be introduced 
at the places indicated in the sketch. 

SNOWFLAKE CHORUS 
To the tune of "Work for the Night Is Coming." 
Swiftly the flakes are flying 
Down from the Christmas sky, 
Cuddling the plants and flowers, 
Where they sleeping lie; 
Flinging a snowy mantle 
Over the quiet town; 
Trimming the trees and fences, 
Softly gliding down. 

HOLLY WREATH CHORUS 
To the same tune 
Bright are the leaves of holly, 
Gleaming with berries gay, 
Bringing a cheery message 
For the Christmas Day. 
Oh, may a kindly feeling 
From man to man extend 
So, like this wreath of Holly, 
It mav have no end. 



BELLS' CHORUS 
To the same tune 
Out of the darkness stealing, 
Hark to the merry sound, 
Waking the joyous echoes 
From the woods around. 
Gladly we ring the message, 
Loud let us chime, and long, 
Tolling the dawn of Christmas 
With our dong, ding, dong. 



How The Christmas Song Was Found 



(Curtain rises, disclosing a v:oodland scene. The 
Dryads advance from behind tress after the Bell Cho- 
rus, if it be used.) 

First Dryad — 

Again the blessed Christmas bells ring out, 
set us free; 

A night and day for work and play. Oh, hap- 
py nymphs are we! 

So oft within our homes, aias, we're pris- 
oned — cannot leave, 

But, oh, the glad release that comes to us on 
Christmas Eve! 

Second Dryad — 

Yes, let us dance and sing with joy; our 

laughter echo free — 
And then away to work and play; we'll trim 

the Christmas Tree. 
You'll gather loving thoughts and smiles, and 

/ the kindly deeds — 
Distribute them as rays of joy to everyone 

who needs. 

Dryad's Song — (tune of chorus of "Jingle Bells. ff ) 
Christmas bells, Christmas bells, you have set 

us free; 
We cannot stay, but must away, to trim the 

Christmas tree. 
Each kindly deed and thought, we need, to 

weave a chain so bright, 
Of love and cheer for all the year, so now we 

bid good-night. (Exeunt Dryads.) 

4 



How the Christmas Song Was Found 5 

(Snowflake Chorus, and Holly Chorus can be intro- 
duced here. JSee songs at beginning.) 

(Enter Gnome of the Woods.) 

Gnome — • 

Alas! Alack! It can't be found; 

I've searched both high and low; 

The perfect Christmas song is gone; 

Forgotten, years ago. 

Each year IVe tried a different tune, 

But every one's been wrong; 

None made the heart of everyone 

Express itself in song. 

I've worked with all my might and main 

Within my wood this year, 

That holly, mistletoe, and trees j 

Might bring the people cheer. 

The Dryads are at work tonight, 

They'll trim the tree ere long, 

But, — Christmas joys won't be complete 

Without that perfect song. 

(Voices in the distance are heard singing a lullaby) 
Ah, hark! Who sings so tenderly? 
With joy the woods resound. 
Yes, tenderness and joy combined, 
But stay, the secret's found. 
My songs till now have held one note; 
Of triumph, praise or mirth; 
The Perfect song needs some of each, 
To stir all hearts on earth. 
For some are quick to heed the call 
Of laughter, light and gay; ! 

While others, love the wistful notes, 
That speak of yesterday. 
Yo-ho! I beg you come to me 
For I am sore in need. 

(Enter Note of Joy and Note of Tenderness.) 



6 How the Christmas Song Was Found 

Joy — 

Dear Gnome, we'll help you all we can, 
And gladly, too, indeed. 

Tenderness — 

Yes, I'm the Note of Tenderness 
In every mother's voice. 

Joy— 

And I'm the Note of Joy, whene'er 
Her baby she'll rejoice. 

Gnome — (to both) 

Of course you must be in the song, 

For more than any other 

Is Christmas Day the day of days 

For every blessed mother. 

And if the song holds tenderness 

And joy, 'twill surely go 

To mother hearts, and they'll recall 

Christ's birth of long ago. 
(Another voice is heard now, continuing the lullaby. 
The sound comes nearer , and Note of Sympathy enters,) 
Sympathy — 

And I'm the Note of Sympathy 

In mother-songs today; 

Into their hearts and voices creep — 

I cannot keep away. 

Gnome — 

Oh, yes, indeed, we need you, too, 
Will you not join us? See, 
We're trying to find a Christmas song 
Of perfect harmony. 

Sympathy — 

Ah, may I help? It seems to me 
I'd find the greatest pleasure 
In helping you the best I can 
To sing through any measure. 



How the Christmas Song Was Found 7 

Gnome — 

Now, let me see — we need a note — 
Hist! One comes softly creeping; 
A note of wistfulness it seems, 
Nay, more, 'tis surely weeping. 

(Enter Note of Pathos f softly humming a plaintive 
air.) 

All Notes — (in unison) 

Tis Pathos — bringing memories 
Of pain forgot in gladness. 

Sympathy — 

She isn't all unhappy, tho, 
But only tinged with sadness. 
Please let her join the chorus too, 
For everyone must love her ; 
She'll nestle close beside me here; 
Let Joy be there above her. 

Gnome — 

Oh, Pathos, would you like it, dear, 
With sister Notes to mingle? 
You'd lend a more appealing tone 
In chorus than just single. 

Pathos— 

I'd like to join the Christmas throng 
As on that distant morn— 
For I was in the song they sang 
When Jesus Christ was born. 

(A voice is heard singing "Love's Old Sweet Song") 

(Enter the Note of Love) 

Love — 

Oh, I've been looking everywhere 
Dear sister Notes, for you, 
Remember this is Christmas Eve 
And we have work to do. 



8 How the Christmas So7ig Was Found 

Gnome — 

Yes, work indeed, for everyone; 
We're planning some this minute, 
And want to work in unison, 
Our plan — Will you be in it? 

I know that you're the Note of Love, 
And live in every breast. 
At Christmas time you seem to be 
The children's special guest. 

Love — 

Yes, I'm the Note of Love, I rang 
Throughout the happy songs 
Of children that first Christmas morn, 
And of the angel throngs. 

God loved the world, and gave His Son; 
And Mary loved her Child; 
All children love these sweetest tales. 
Of Christ and Mary, mild. 

And so I'd like to join the song, 
And joy and gladness bring 
To everyone, this Christmastide. 
Oh, happily I'll sing! 

(A voice is heard singing in ringing tones, "Oh, 
Coyne AU Ye Faithful") 

Gnome — 

And who is this, with lusty shout? 
A Note of Triumph, truly — 
From conqueror's song, he's put to rout 
All doubts and fears, unruly. 

(Enter Note of Triumph.) 

Triumph — ! 

I am the Note of Triumph, true! 

I sounded years ago, 

When angels sang to shepherds, there 

Upon the earth below. 



How the Christmas Song Was Found 9 

Gnome — 

Of course, and we have need of you 
To stir the hearts of men, 
Reminding them 'tis Christmas time, 
And what it means, again. 

(Enter Note of Praise, singing Si Praise God From 
Whom All Blessings Flow") 

Praise— 

The wind came stealing down the vale 
With mingled notes, that drew 
Me to their midst, despite myself — 
I'm Praise, I've come to you. 

Gnome — 

And just in time; the minutes fly. 
Ah, time is very fleet! 
And ere the dawn of Christmas Day 
Our song must be complete. 

Praise — 

And may I help ? I love to rise 

Upon the wings of song, ; 

As when the shepherds praises sang, 

That day, now gone so long. 

(Enter the Dryads and Note of Thanksgiving.) 

(This Note may here sing any song of Thanks- 
giving.) 

First Dryad — 

Dear Gnome, we found this joyous note 
Of gratitude, and knew 
You'd need him for the Christmas song 
So brought him here to you. 

Second Dryad — 

Tomorrow everyone should find 
This Note among the rest, 
For Christmas brings, of all the year 
The Gift that is the best! 



10 How the Christmas Song Was Found 



Thanksgiving — 

Yes, I'm Thanksgiving, and I dwell 
In every living thing; 
But people often lock their hearts, 
And will not let me sing. 

Gnome — 

We've gathered all the Notes we need 
To make our perfect song; 
Oh, surely no one can resist 
Such harmony for long. 

I'll call the Christmas Spirit in. 
You, Dryads, trim the Tree. 
Oh, what a happy gnome am I, 
Such joy there's going to be! 

(The Dryads proceed to trim the Christmas Tree 
with ropes of tinsel — the loving thoughts and deeds the]} 
have gathered; and the Gnome calls.) 

Gnome — 

Yo-ho! Brave Christmas Spirit, come, 
With every lo\ely token; 
Bring happiness to lonely hearts, 
And balm to sore, or broken. 

(Enter Christmas Spirit.) 

Christmas Spirit — 

A merry Christmas, everyone! 
Yes, I'm the Christmas Spirit, 
And if your heart be sad or sore, 
Oh, please do let me cheer it. 

I have no room for selfish thought, 
Or sad or sorry grieving; 
I leave a smile on every face, 
And happiness, when leaving. 



How the Christmas Song Was Found 11 

I send my many messengers, 

In funny forms, and jolly; 

Some go disguised as Mistletoe, 

Or Christmas Trees, or Holly, 

Some go as Turkeys, crisp and brown, 

And some as Bells a-ringing, 

And one is Santa, good and kind, 

And others, voices singing. 

And now I see that I'm to send 

This blessed message winging; 

There's none so poor in worldly goods 

But can rejoice in singing. 

This song contains a note to touch 

Each heart; tho it be guarded, 

It must respond to this new song — 

With joy 'twill be rewarded. 

Come, let us sing this Carol grand, 

That tells of Peace on earth, 

Of Joy and Love and Sympathy 

That came at Jesus' birth. 

And let us hearty praises sing; 

And songs of true thanksgiving 

For that Great Gift of other years 

That still for us is living. 

(To the audience) 

And won't you open wide your hearts? 
Embrace the Christmas spirit? 
And sing with us this Christmas hymn, 
Till all the world may hear it? 

(All join in singing "Hark, the Herald Angels Sing" 
or one of the other well-kncnvn and much4oved Christ- 
mas hymns. The children sing the first verse done a/nd 
then the audience takes it up and all sing together.) 

CURTAIN 



:^ 



HALLOWE'EN HILARITY HINTS 

Good Things To Keep The Ball Rolling 

A Bunch of Stunts for Hallowe'en 

A new book of doings, contributed by many wide- 
awake writers. Covers almost any kind of festival, 
party or entertainment you wish to give. Drills, 
games, stunts, decorations, etc. Price, 75c. 

The Fairy and the Witch 

A I -act allegorical sketch for Hallowe'en, by A. D. 
Nelson. 1 adult, male or female, and any number of 
children. In this very picturesque little play, the 
Black Witch of Hallowe'en falls under the spell of 
the White Fairy and superstition gives way to rea- 
son. Time, about 20 minutes. Price, 25c. 

The Frolic of the Witches 

By Juanita Mae Culp. This is a clever little drill es- 
pecially adapted for H^Powe'en. Introduces flash- 
lights and brcoms, and iz fcr 11 girls. Price, 25c. 

Guess Who Song and Drill 

Something novel. Price, 23c. 

The Haunted Gate 

By Edith Wormwood. A clever play for Hallowe'en. 

The capture of the ghosts furnishes a good climax to 

the play. 3 ma'es, 7 females. Plays from 30 to 45 
minutes. Price, 35c. 

Jimmy's Ghosts 

By Ceci. .'. Richmond. A sketch for children. Five 
speaking parts with chorus of witches. Can easily be 
given in any school room. Price, 15c 

Scarecrows A-Roaming 

Ar. eccentric drill. Price, 25c. 

What To Do on Hallowe'en 

Coxnpi'ed by Juanita Mae Cu'p. This is a really good 
collection of help.'ul suggestions for this occasion. 

Suggestions for decorations, inenr. parties, games, 
stunts, recipes, a p ] ay cr two, ard other good things. 
Furchasers will fird themse've- relieved from worry 
and trouble concerning Hallowe'en. Price, 40c. 

Fun With Fortune Telling 

Coxnpi'ed by Mrs. G. L. Henson. Here is a book that 
wili furnish fun and interest for any social gathering. 
Every one i; interested in their "fortune" and this 
bock if arranged to give you pleasure, either individ- 
ually or as a crowd. Price, 50c. 



Eldridge Entertainment House 

FRANKLIN, OHIO also DENVER, COLO. 

944 S. Logan St. 



Clever New Monologs 
and Recitations 

Monologs of Merit 

This we believe a splendid collection for elocution- 
ists or for schools. Contains many of the darky- 
sketches of Blanche Goodman which do not appear in 
the "Viney Sketches." Some novelty readings by 
Lydia McGaughcy are "The White-wash Angel," "A 
Pair of Boots," "Robert Joins the A. H. T. A.," "Rob- 
ert and the Auto," "Seven, Seventeen and Seventy," 
"Jn Grandma's Day," and others. Complete volume, 
75c. 

Help-U Dialog and Recitation Book 

By various authors and a real help to the teacher. 
Here are some of the dialogs: "A Strike Mother Goose 
Settled," "Casey's Twins," "A Lesson in Politeness," 
"Program for Roosevelt's Birthday," "Boy Wanted," 
"Helping Santa Claus," "Aunt Phoebe's Nerves," and 
many others. These are for all grades up to gram- 
mar. An abundance of choice recitations for all the 
grades. Price 40c. 

Merry Rhymes of Little Folks* Times 

By Margaret A. Fassitt. In this collection of choice 
little gems we present 40 short poems which are real 
"Kiddie" talk. They can be used as recitations by 
little people or as child impersonations by adults. By 
the way, they will make- good reading for mothers 
and fathers at any time. "The Red Head," "Reflec- 
tions of a Pup," "I Wish I Had a Ginger Cake," 
"When You Ask About Your Fixin's," "Our Twins," 
and many others will make you laugh. Price, 40c. 

Comforting Her Patient 

By Mrs. W. M. Carruth. Tells how an "impractical" 
nurse unloads her own and others' troubles on her 
helpless patient. A good number. Price 15c. 

Gossip in Slowville 

By E. Haskell. Depicts the sayings of the village gos- 
sip and makes a' very effective reading. Price 15c. 

The Spinsterhood of Mary 

A humorous number by Rhoda Barclay. Tells of 

Mary's resolve to live and die an old maid and her 
sudden change of mind. Price, 15c. 

Mrs, Swattem Attends the Convention 

This monolog by Rhoda Barclay is an account of the 
many complaints of Mrs. Swattem while at the con- 
vention. Her sharp tongue wags industriously, if 
not truthfully. Price, 15c. 

Eldridge Entertainment House 

FRANKLIN, OHIO aUo DENVER, COLO. 

944 S. Logan St. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




New Song-Recitations 



HERE is a list of very clever child- 
impersonations or good encores 
for children. The lines are by 
Margaret Fassitt, the music by Anna 
and Harry C. Eldridge. They will 
be winners on your program. 



017 401 075 4 



Ain't It The Limit? ) 

When You Ask About Your Fixins | soc 



Both in 

one 
number 



If Santa Shouldn't Come To Me I 
I've Been And Had The Measles ) "soc 



Both in 
one 

number 



! Wish I Had A Ginger-cake 
Our Twins 



Both in 
one 
p. number 



50c 



When Grandpop Was A Boy ) Bothin 
When Daddy Took Me Up )■ n ™f er 

In A Tlanej 50c 

Eldridge Entertainment House 

FRANKLIN, OHIO also DENVER, COLO. 

944 S. Logan St. 



^s 



